CDGL struggles to set up Sasta Bazaars

Work on Sasta Bazaars scheme stalled as towns did not even identify sites for the bazaars.

LAHORE: Work on the Sasta Bazaars scheme has not started because three towns have yet to identify site for the bazaars.

The towns that are still to propose sites for the bazaars include Samanabad, Wagha and Data Gunj Baksh.

The DCO, Ahad Cheema, had directed town municipal administrators (TMA) to do so last week. An official of the City District Government of Lahore (CDGL) said that it was difficult to find a large enough area that was unoccupied. Iqbal town TMO, Arif Chaudary said, “The problem is that everything is owned by someone other than the city government.

The Lahore Development Authority owns a lot of land. The city government may have to sign an NOC with one of the organisation to get the land.”

The idea of the bazaars is based on the model Islamabad Sasta Bazaar.

The bazaars will be permanent, have vendors selling essential items during the day and subsidised food stalls at night.

The sites which have already been shortlisted include one near the Sattukatla drain in Nishtar Town, Match Factory near the cricket ground in Ravi Town, Gadaffi Stadium in Gulberg Town, Opposite Hamayat-e-Islam in Garden Town, a vacant plot in Model Town, Singh Pura Fruit Market in Shalimar Town, Begum pura near GT Road, UC 16 China Scheme in Iqbal Town, behind the Sabazazar Police Station in Johar Town and the Sunday Bazaar area on Zarrar Shaheed Road.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2010.